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Police in Portsmouth issue warning to shoplifters as Christmas approaches

Press Releases

Published: 04/12/2008


Police working in Portsmouth city centre have dealt with a high volume of incidents recently involving shoplifters, and are warning thieves to think twice before committing this type of crime.

Officers working in the Commercial Road and surrounding areas are aware that shoplifting does occur and is a continual concern for businesses, and are working closely with their partners to tackle the problem.

Loss Prevention Officers are employed by shops and carry out patrols to detect thieves, and maintain continual contact with police via radio. Portsmouth City Council’s CCTV department are another key element and feed into the communication, watching over the streets and stores.

Offenders can be quickly identified and detained through this joined up approach to policing the busy shopping areas, and in addition to a fine or court appearance, may also be banned from even entering shops.

Throughout August, September and October, 270 thefts were carried out in the city centre area, and it is thought that these numbers could be on the increase.

Many take the view that this type of offence is relatively low level and will not be taken seriously by officers, but the reality is very different. Inspector Jon Snook, who leads the Safer Neighbourhoods Teams at Portsmouth Central police station, says, “We are aware that shoplifting may increase during the festive period but we will not let up and will be continuing to make arrests and charges wherever we can. We want businesses and shoppers to be able to enjoy this area peacefully.”

CCTV manager for Portsmouth City Council, Ray Stead, said, ''Portsmouth CCTV control room works in partnership with the police to assist in crime reduction issues, including shoplifting, and is continually seeking ways to improve the method by which CCTV can contribute to loss prevention for stores in the city.''

On November 18, a 16-year-old was arrested after he was seen by an LPO in Debenhams to conceal two bottles of aftershave in his coat and leave a store. He received an £80 on the spot fine.

On November 20 a man was seen to put six bottles of champagne into a bag in Marks and Spencers and leave a store. He was arrested and charged with theft and appeared in court on November 21.

“Many of these thefts are of smaller items,” Inspector Snook continues, “and it just isn’t worth the risk when you consider the consequences. We want people to think twice about their actions, and for shoppers to remain alert to this issue, and tell shop staff or police if you see anyone acting suspiciously, helping us to all work together and maintain a zero tolerance attitude to shoplifting in Portsmouth.”


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